Wekiva Island set on fire again

Owners of popular riverside hangout say they suspect arson

In the wee morning hours of Jan. 6, someone set fire to the schoolhouse at Wekiva Island in Longwood. This is the second time in three months that the popular riverside bar/hangout/canoe launch, which attracts a sizable crowd on the weekends, has experienced a fire. The previous fire, which was caused by an electrical

problem, severely damaged the Tooting Otter bar. This time around, according to Wekiva Island’s Facebook page, the fire was likely set intentionally.

“We are heartbroken and sickened to announce that in the early morning of Monday, Jan. 6, Wekiva Island was a victim of arson,” the post reads. “A person or persons deliberately set our schoolhouse building on fire.”

The owners are now faced with $20,000 worth of fire, water and smoke damage. They have partnered with the state fire marshall’s office to offer a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting the fire. Call 877-622-7766 if you have any information about the fire.